Pharrell Williams excited many around the world when he released his popular hit "Happy" off his 2014 album G I R L. In light of his upbeat, feel-good tune, Williams was asked to speak at the United Nations General Assembly Friday, March 20, and flip the switch on the Empire State Building, making the lights yellow in celebration of the International Day of Happiness.
Yesterday's event was sponsored by the U.N., U.N. Foundation and MixRadio, CBS News reported. The International Day of Happiness was founded in 2012 by the world organization, with the clear message that "the next generation needs to pay attention to climate change."
Williams spoke in front of approximately 1,200 middle-school children at the United Nations General Assembly.
"Protecting our planet is fundamental to the pursuit of human happiness," Williams said to the crowd, according to CBS News. "We only have one home and there's climate change ... If you don't [take] care of your home, you don't have a life, and we have to transition from climate change to climate action."
CBS News also reported that yesterday's event marked the launch of the "World's Happiest Playlist" and a #HappySoundsLike Twitter campaign. Chairpeople of this campaign include Cody Simpson, Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, David Guetta, Rita Ora, John Legend and James Blunt.
Robert Skinner, the associate director of the U.N. Foundation's New York office, relayed to CBS News that "The International Day of Happiness has provided an opportunity to open up a real conversation on how we take positive action to battle the real threat of climate change."
Prior to his speech, the "Happy" singer stood in front of the crowd to turn the Empire State Building's lights yellow in honor of the International Day of Happiness.
Williams told the crowd, "I'm going to be super brief," before happily lifting the lever up. He later took seflies with excited fans.
Check out Williams honoring the International Day of Happiness by switching on the yellow lights via an Associated Press YouTube video below.
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